By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has hailed the youths who turned up in large numbers to express their opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
The young Kenyans on Tuesday flocked the streets of Nairobi for peaceful protests against the bill they claimed was introducing punitive tax measures.
Unlike the previous protests, the latest one was mostly coordinated online, with the majority of those participating being those commonly referred to as Gen Z.
In an interview with Vibes Radio on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Wamuchomba said she was impressed at the zeal and fearless manner in which the said Gen Z handled the protests.
She went further to encourage them to keep speaking boldly against anything the government does that would end up hurting them.
According to the UDA legislator, young men and women are also part of society and have a right to express their opinions on national matters.
“Totally impressed! The young generation has cought (sic) up really fast and that is impressive. To the Gen-Z, you are too part of the society that the government should listen to,” the legislator said.
The manner in which the youths came out in large numbers for the protests also impressed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Odinga has for the last few years been the one leading such protests.
But on Tuesday, some of the Gen Zs shared videos asking the ODM leader not to join them – noting that they had seen his efforts to bring change in the country hence their turn to take up the mantle.
“I’m a very proud father today! Hongera sana to the young lady and all those who bravely stood up for their rights!,” Raila said.
The post was in response to a video of a young lady acknowledging Raila’s impact in driving change in the country.
Another round of protests against the Bill set to be debated by Members of Parliament is scheduled for Thursday.
More regions are expected to join in the protests aimed at pushing the government to totally withdraw the Bill.